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Melatonin versus midazolam premedication in children undergoing surgery: A pilot study
Eloisa Gitto1, Lucia Marseglia1, Gabriella D'Angelo1
1Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|October 31, 2015
Summary
Melatonin premedication significantly reduced propofol requirements for anesthesia induction in children, performing better than midazolam. Melatonin proved equally effective as midazolam for pediatric sedation.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Midazolam is a common anesthetic premedication.
- Data on melatonin's interaction with anesthetic drugs in children is limited.
- Investigating melatonin as an alternative premedication is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effect of melatonin versus midazolam premedication on propofol requirements for anesthesia induction in children.
- To evaluate the impact of melatonin on preoperative sedation and postoperative recovery in pediatric surgical patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study.
- 92 children (5-14 years) received either oral melatonin (0.5 mg/kg) or midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) before propofol anesthesia.
- Sedation levels were assessed pre- and post-anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Melatonin premedication significantly reduced the required propofol dose for anesthesia induction compared to midazolam (P < 0.001).
- No significant differences were observed in pre- and post-anesthesia sedation scores between the melatonin and midazolam groups.
- Melatonin enhanced propofol's potency in pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is an effective premedicant in pediatric surgical patients.
- Melatonin enhances propofol's anesthetic effect in children.
- Melatonin is as effective as midazolam for pediatric sedation levels.
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